Program Description

The department sponsors work in all aspects of antiquity, not only Greek and Latin literature, but history, philosophy, and art and archeology as well. Successful applicants to the Program must have at least three years of one ancient language (the languages being Greek and Latin), and at least two of the other. We have a strong, balanced program in literary, historical, cultural, and archaeological studies, including special expertise in documentary studies-- papyrology, palaeography, and epigraphy. Our department is an integral part of both Duke's Center for Late Ancient Studies and Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Resources for Classical Studies include large collections of ancient Greek papyri and medieval Greek and Latin manuscripts, the Rostovtzeff-Welles library, and the Duke Immersive Environment and other virtual reality labs, and the Classical Collection of Greek and Roman Art in the Nasher Museum of Art. We participate in the programs of the American Academy in Rome and the American School in Athens; many students spend a year or a summer at one or the other. Students in our program are able, through course work, directed research, and their own teaching, to prepare for careers of teaching and research as broadly trained classical scholars.

Additional Application Materials

As part of the materials submitted online to The Graduate School, Classical Studies also requires a list of Greek and Latin authors/texts you have read in the original languages and a writing sample (20-25 pages). These can be uploaded directly with your online application in the Departmental Requirements section.